Overview
- At the NFL owners meetings this week, team owner Joel Glazer defended keeping Todd Bowles for a fifth season and said the roster fought hard despite setbacks.
- Tampa Bay opened 2025 at 5-1 and reached 6-2 before the bye, then lost seven of nine to finish 8-9 and miss the NFC South crown for the first time since 2020.
- Glazer pointed to key absences and limitations, including Baker Mayfield playing through a shoulder issue and Mike Evans appearing in eight games, with starters like Tristan Wirfs and Jamel Dean also missing time.
- Bowles enters 2026 under sharper scrutiny as his four-year tenure includes two winning seasons, one double-digit win year, and a single playoff victory.
- The roster now shifts without longtime leaders Mike Evans, who joined the 49ers, and retiree Lavonte David, raising pressure on a revamped staff to turn close losses into wins.